Protect Your Workforce & Ensure Compliance with Expert Assessments

Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) exposure is a serious workplace hazard that can lead to silicosis, lung cancer, and other respiratory diseases. If your workers are exposed to airborne silica dust, you must take proactive steps to monitor, assess, and control the risks.

​At Western Health & Safety, we specialize in Silica Exposure Assessments and Exposure Control Plans, ensuring businesses comply with Alberta Labour and WorkSafeBC regulations. With 30+ years of experience, our Certified Industrial Hygienists provide expert guidance to protect your employees and keep your business compliant.
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What Is Respirable Crystalline Silica?

Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) is a fine dust produced when materials like sand, stone, concrete, and brick are cut, drilled, or ground. Because these particles are so small, they can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing serious, irreversible health effects.

Industries at High Risk for Silica Exposure:
✅ Construction (cutting, grinding, or drilling concrete)
✅ Mining & Quarrying
✅ Manufacturing (glass, ceramics, and stone processing)
✅ Oil & Gas (hydraulic fracturing operations)
✅ Foundries & Metal Casting
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Health Risks of Silica Exposure

Long-term exposure to silica dust can lead to severe occupational diseases, including:
  • Silicosis – A permanent lung disease caused by silica inhalation.
  • Lung Cancer – Classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) – Leading to breathing difficulties and lung damage.
  • Kidney Disease – Linked to prolonged silica exposure.

Are You Compliant with Silica Safety Regulations?
Many employers don’t realize they have exceeding exposure levels until a regulatory inspection or worker health complaint occurs. Proactively conducting an RCS Exposure Assessment is the best way to avoid non-compliance penalties and protect worker health.
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Our Silica Exposure Assessment & Control Services

Respirable Crystalline Silica Exposure Assessments

We conduct on-site air monitoring to measure silica dust concentrations and determine if exposure levels exceed regulatory limits set by:
  • Alberta Labour OHS Code
  • WorkSafeBC Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs)
  • ACGIH & OSHA Standards

Exposure Control Plans (ECPs)

Western Health & Safety develops customized Exposure Control Plans (ECPs), including:
  • Engineering controls (ventilation, water suppression, dust collection)
  • Administrative controls (work scheduling, safe work procedures)
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE) recommendations
  • Worker training and compliance strategies
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Compliance Support & Documentation

 We help businesses stay compliant with all provincial and federal regulations, providing:
  •  Written reports with exposure data analysis
  • Recommendations for dust control improvements
  • Assistance with regulatory compliance filings
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How to Reduce Silica Exposure in the Workplace

  • Use Wet Methods – Applying water reduces airborne dust.
  • Ventilation & Dust Extraction – Proper systems minimize exposure.
  • PPE & Respirators – Fit-tested N95 or higher-rated respirators.
  • Training & Safety Procedures – Educating workers on silica hazards.
  • Regular Air Monitoring – Ensuring exposure levels stay within legal limits.

💡 Did you know? Silica dust can remain airborne for hours, increasing exposure risks for all workers in the area.

Are You Compliant? Get a Professional Silica Assessment Today!

If your workplace involves cutting, grinding, drilling, or handling materials that produce silica dust, you need a silica exposure assessment to ensure compliance and protect your team.

At Western Health & Safety, we provide industry-leading silica exposure solutions tailored to your business. Our team of Certified Industrial Hygienists has helped companies across Alberta and British Columbia achieve regulatory compliance and worker safety.

📞 Book a Free Consultation Today!✔ Get expert exposure testing & compliance guidance
✔ Avoid costly penalties & regulatory issues
✔ Protect your workers & create a safer workplace
📞 Call Us: 403-241-6889
📩 Email Us: [email protected]
📍 Serving Alberta & BC
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Why Choose Western Health & Safety?

✅ 30+ Years of Expertise – Certified Industrial Hygienists specializing in silica safety.
✅ Regulatory Compliance Focused – Ensure full compliance with Alberta Labour & WorkSafeBC.
✅ Tailored Solutions – Custom Exposure Control Plans for your industry.
✅ Proven Track Record – Helping businesses stay safe & compliant.
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FAQs: Respirable Crystalline Silica

❓ What are the legal exposure limits for silica dust?
In Alberta and BC, the Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL) for respirable crystalline silica is typically 0.025 mg/m³ (as per ACGIH guidelines), but enforcement levels may vary. Our experts can test your worksite to ensure compliance.

❓ What happens if my workplace exceeds the silica exposure limit?
Employers must implement an Exposure Control Plan (ECP), including engineering controls, PPE, and worker training. Non-compliance can result in fines, stop-work orders, and increased liability.

❓ How often should silica air monitoring be conducted?
Air monitoring should be performed regularly, especially when work processes change or new materials/equipment are introduced that might alter silica exposure levels.

❓ How long does a silica exposure assessment take?
A standard workplace assessment typically takes a few hours to complete, with lab results available within 7–10 business days.